When you type “mental health services near me” into a search engine, you’re usually not doing it out of curiosity. You’re doing it because you or someone you care about needs help, and you need to know what’s actually available locally. The good news is that in 2026, there are more mental health services across the UK than ever before. The challenge is knowing where to look, what’s free, what’s funded by the NHS, and how to access the right level of support without being bounced around the system.

This guide is here to make that easier. We’ll walk through the main types of mental health support available in your area, how to access them, and what to expect. And if you’re a care provider reading this because you deliver mental health services and want to understand how these contracts are commissioned, we’ve included guidance for you too. Our guide on how local authorities decide which providers make it to restricted tenders explains how providers get selected for these kinds of services.

Where to Start When You’re Looking for Mental Health Support

The first step can feel like the hardest one. You know something isn’t right, but you’re not sure who to call or where to go. In the UK, the entry point for most people is their GP. But that’s not the only route in, and in 2026, there are more options than there used to be.

Your GP Is Still the Main Gateway

Your GP can assess your mental health, prescribe medication if needed, and refer you to specialist services. They can connect you to NHS Talking Therapies (formerly IAPT), community mental health teams, crisis services, and more. If you’re not sure where to start, booking a GP appointment is a solid first step. Many GP practices now offer same-day telephone consultations, which can speed things up if you’re struggling to wait.

Self-Referral to NHS Talking Therapies

One of the most important things to know in 2026 is that you don’t need a GP referral to access NHS Talking Therapies. You can refer yourself directly. This service offers evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), counselling, and guided self-help for conditions including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and OCD. Waiting times vary by area, but self-referral means you can get into the queue faster without waiting for a GP appointment first.

Crisis Support When You Need It Now

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis, there are services available right now. The NHS 111 service has a mental health option in many areas, and most regions have a local crisis line that’s open 24/7. The Samaritans can be reached any time on 116 123. Many areas also now have crisis cafes and safe havens, which are walk-in spaces where you can get face-to-face support outside of a hospital setting.

Types of Mental Health Services Available in Your Local Area

Mental health support isn’t one size fits all, and the services available near you will depend on where you live and what level of support you need. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of services that exist across most parts of the UK in 2026.

Community Mental Health Teams

Community mental health teams (CMHTs) are made up of psychiatrists, mental health nurses, social workers, psychologists, and support workers. They provide ongoing care for people with more complex or long-term mental health conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression. You’re usually referred to a CMHT by your GP or through a hospital discharge. These teams work in the community, which means appointments might happen at a local clinic, in your home, or sometimes over the phone.

Supported Living for People with Mental Health Needs

For people who need more structured day-to-day support, supported living services offer accommodation alongside tailored mental health support. This might include help with medication management, building daily routines, managing finances, and gradually working toward greater independence. These services are typically commissioned by local authorities and are a growing area of investment in 2026.

Social Prescribing and Community Wellbeing Services

Not all mental health support involves therapy or medication. Social prescribing connects people with activities and services in their community that support their mental wellbeing, such as exercise groups, art classes, gardening projects, or volunteering. In 2026, most Primary Care Networks have a social prescribing link worker, and this is increasingly being recognised as a valuable early intervention that keeps people out of more intensive services.

Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPMHS)

If you’re searching for mental health support for a child or young person, most areas have dedicated services, often still referred to as CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services). Waiting times can be long, but many areas have introduced early help hubs, school-based counselling, and digital therapy options to provide support while young people wait for specialist assessment.

How to Find Out What’s Available Where You Live

Every area is different, and knowing what services exist locally is half the battle. Here are some practical ways to find out what’s near you.

Your Local Authority Website

Every council publishes information about the adult social care and mental health services they commission. Search for your council name plus “mental health services” or “adult social care directory” and you’ll usually find a local services directory with contact details, eligibility information, and referral routes.

The NHS Service Finder

The NHS website has a service finder tool that lets you search for mental health services by postcode. It covers NHS Talking Therapies, community mental health teams, crisis services, and more. It’s not perfect, but it’s a good starting point and is kept reasonably up to date in most areas.

Ask Your GP or Social Worker

If you’re already in contact with a GP or social worker, ask them directly what’s available locally. They’ll know about services that might not show up in an online search, including voluntary sector organisations, peer support groups, and community programmes that are commissioned locally but don’t always have a big online presence.

For Providers: How Mental Health Services Near Me Connects to Commissioning

If you’re a care provider reading this, you might be wondering why we’ve written a blog aimed at people searching for mental health help. The answer is simple: the demand reflected in searches like “mental health services near me” is exactly what drives commissioning decisions. When thousands of people in a local area are searching for support they can’t find, that’s a gap. And gaps create tenders.

Understanding Local Demand to Strengthen Your Bids

If you can reference local search trends, waiting list data, and unmet need in your tender responses, you demonstrate something commissioners value hugely: an understanding of the problem they’re trying to solve. Mentioning that your service model was designed to address known gaps in local mental health provision is far more powerful than a generic description of what you do.

Positioning Your Organisation as Part of the Solution

Whether you deliver supported living, community outreach, crisis alternatives, or talking therapies, the key is positioning yourself as a provider who understands the local mental health landscape and has a clear, evidence-based plan to fill the gaps. Commissioners don’t just want another provider. They want a partner who gets it.

This is the kind of strategic positioning that helps providers stand out. As one of our clients shared, AssuredBID helped them understand the tendering process from day one through to submission, and they were successful with the tender. Read their story and others on our testimonials page.

To see how we helped a specialist provider win a contract by demonstrating deep expertise in supporting adults with complex needs, including mental health, read the full case study here.

Getting Help, Whether You’re a Service User or a Provider

Mental health support in the UK is more accessible than it’s ever been, but it can still feel overwhelming to navigate. If you’re looking for help, start with your GP or refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies. If you’re a provider looking to grow in this space, the commissioning landscape is full of opportunity for those who are prepared. Either way, you don’t have to figure it out alone. If you’re a provider who wants support in winning mental health contracts, book a free consultation with our tender specialists.

Need support with tenders or compliance? AssuredBID helps UK social care providers prepare stronger bids and win the right opportunities. You can book a consultation with our tender experts, explore our services, and follow AssuredBID on social media for practical updates, insights, and guidance you can actually use.